Euphorbia hirta 飛揚草

POISONOUS PARTS

Whole plant.⁴

TOXICITY

• Toxic Constituents

  Not identified.

• Poisoning Features

  Skin contact: irritant contact dermatitis. Eye contact: keratoconjunctivitis. Ingestion: diarrhoea.^2,5–7

• Poisoning Events

  Multiple cases of keratoconjunctivitis and uveitis after accidental ocular exposure to the latex of different Euphorbia species have been reported worldwide. Most patients recovered uneventfully, but blindness could occur.^8–10

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Supportive treatment. For skin and ocular exposure, affected area could be irrigated with water.

IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

Annual herbs, up to 70 cm tall. Stems more or less hirsute with spreading yellowish hairs. Leaves opposite; leaf blades 1–5 × 0.5–1.3 cm, pubescent on both surfaces. Cyathia crowded in head-like cymes on axillary peduncles. Capsules 1–1.5 mm in diameter, more or less with appressed hairs. Seeds ovoid, obtusely 4-angled, slightly winkled.¹¹

MEDICINAL USES

Whole plant with roots used in TCM: clear heat, remove toxin, promote lactation, drain dampness, relieve itching. Recommended dose: 6–9 g.^2,12,13